FFP2 masks: where to buy them, what they cost - and how often to wear them

In Bavaria it will now be a constant companion when shopping or on the train: the FFP2 mask.

We explain to you what you have to consider with this particular mask and where is it available?

• The corona numbers in Germany are still too high.

• The state of Bavaria has reacted and made FFP2 masks mandatory when shopping and on the train.

• Will FFP2 masks be sold out now?

Munich - This news came as a surprise.

From January 18,

an

FFP2 mask is mandatory

in retail and local public transport

in

Bavaria

.

"The

Corona

measures are slowly starting to take effect," said

Markus Söder

after a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

However, the emphasis is on "slow", hence this next step with the

FFP2 mask requirement

.

“The availability in the trade is sufficiently guaranteed, so there is no shortage of

FFP2

“Emphasized the Prime Minister.

Some of the masks are even "clearly in abundance, in some cases at least available." The state of North Rhine-Westphalia could now also follow suit with the tightening of the mask requirement. *

FFP2 masks

have the advantage that, unlike "normal" masks, they not only protect others if you are contagious, but also yourself. Masks with higher filter performance (such as

FFP masks

) not only filter the exhaled, but also the inhaled air.

"Correctly fitting

FFP masks

are tight and offer external and internal protection," writes the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.

An important contribution to combating the #corona pandemic is: reducing contacts.

Our animation illustrates why.

pic.twitter.com/pBrh9xlNAP

- BMG (@BMG_Bund) January 11, 2021

FFP2 masks: where can they be bought and how much do they cost?

Basically, the special mouth and nose protection is available in every pharmacy, meanwhile also in some drugstores.

FFP2 masks

can also be bought

online,

but you should pay attention to the correct certification.

Because whether the mask purchased online meets all EU requirements can be seen from the

CE mark

, among other things

.

The mark indicates that the

FFP masks have passed

a successful verification procedure (conformity assessment procedure). 

The identification consists of a four-digit test institute number, the EU standard EN 149 and the address of the provider.

But be careful: not all

FFP2 masks

on the German market carry the

CE mark

.

Masks from the USA, Canada or China can

meet European quality standards

even without a

CE

mark.

FFP2 masks can be worn several times, but should be stored properly

Individual

FFP2 masks

usually cost between two and four euros.

However, since the filter performance decreases with each use, it is advisable to buy several masks.

Because

FFP masks

are actually

single-use products and not intended for reuse.

Nevertheless, these masks can also be used several times in everyday life in the private sector.

The platform

infektionsschutz.de of

the Federal Center for Health Education advises: “Keep reusable mouth and nose covers temporarily in a separate bag.

At home you can also hang up the mouth and nose covering to dry ”.

A regular replacement of the mask is therefore useful.

Bundesdruckerei starts delivering the authorization certificates for # ffp2masks to health insurances and private insurance companies: in the course of January, the forgery-proof coupons will be sent to the authorized persons.

https://t.co/zinyYi2A7Q pic.twitter.com/DQ2lU2ucn2

- BMG (@BMG_Bund) January 4, 2021

Unfortunately, the statutory health insurance companies do not

cover

any costs for this

corona

prevention measure.

However, as of December 15, 2020, people over the age of 60 have been entitled to 15

FFP2 masks

.

By January 6, 2021, they received three masks for free in the pharmacy.

In two further waves, six

FFP2 masks

each will be

made available for a small contribution

from the coming week

.

All authorized persons will receive a forgery-proof coupon from their health insurance company.

* wa.de is part of the nationwide Ippen digital editorial network

List of rubric lists: © Friso Gentsch / dpa / picture alliance